9 Amazing Things to do in County Clare Ireland (That Aren’t the Cliffs of Moher)

There are more things to do in County Clare, Ireland that aren’t the Cliffs of Moher.

You see what I did there?

More and Moher (pronounced “more”).

Not funny?

Ok.

My point is that there are lots of other things to do, to see and to experience in County Clare.

So don’t just stop by these famous Cliffs of Moher and leave.

Because you’ll be missing out on some of the best things to do in County Clare if you ONLY see those notorious cliffs.

I’m not telling you NOT to visit the Cliffs of Moher.

I’m simply telling you to spend some time in County Clare, exploring some other fabulous places and sites.

So…ready to explore County Clare?

 

Where is County Clare?

Clare is in Western Ireland and is sandwiched between County Galway to the North, County Limerick to the South and County Kerry to the Southwest.

The county town is Ennis — a town known for its wonderful traditional Irish music.

There is a lot of coastline to Clare, but it’s also defined by the River Shannon to the South and Lough Derg, Ireland’s third largest lake, to the East.

It’s not really mountainous, but has some unique geography and geology which we’ll get to later.

There are rolling hills dotted with sheep and cows.

And the coastline ranges from soaring cliffs to some wonderful sandy beaches.

Okay…so what else is there to do in this incredible Irish county?

Walk The Burren

My top recommendation for County Clare is to walk around The Burren.

What is this?

I have an entire post on this Irish National Park, but in a nutshell it’s a karst landscape of bedrock with limestone, cliffs and caves.

It’s really trippy.

The word “Burren” actually comes from the Irish word, Boíreann, meaning rocky place.

And this is the perfect name because of the lack of soil and the extent of exposed limestone.

You’d think with the lack of soil that things would’t grow here.

But that’s not true — and this is what makes The Burren so unique and so special.

You see, herbs and flowers actually grow here.

And, get this, the flowers range from alpine species to Mediterranean species.

It’s amazing to see these flowers sprouting up from in between the rocks.

You can pretty much walk wherever you want across the rocky landscape.

But there are some trails that are well-marked.

I recommend heading out to Mullaghmore where you can take one of a few different trails.

It’s not too difficult despite what the website says.

There are semi-permanent lakes throughout The Burren if you fancy sitting on a rock and having wee picnic — weather permitting, of course.

My other recommendation is to visit in late spring when the flowers are blooming AND to take a guided tour of sorts through The Burren so you can learn about the plants and flowers, the formation of this landscape and some of the stories of the people.

It’s a fascinating place!

And if you don’t have time to get out and walk The Burren, then at least drive around.

But, really, the best way to appreciate this unusual natural destination is to get out and walk!

See The Cliffs of Kilkee

“I want to see the Cliffs of Amazement,” my dad said to me back in early 2010.

Huh?

When my folks traveled to Ireland with me back in summer 2010, this was something my dad said he wanted to see.

But I had no idea what he was going on and on about — until I found out he was talking about something he had seen in the Ireland Lonely Planet guide.

Then I realized he was talking about the Cliffs of Kilkee in southern County Clare.

Good choice, Daddy-o!

The Cliffs of Kilkee are definitely one of the best things to see in County Clare.

While these sea cliffs aren’t quite as dramatic as their more popular cousins to the North, they are beautiful — and far less busy!

There’s a wonderful drive out to the Loop Head Lighthouse that yours truly failed to take.

But we did see some spectacular cliffs.

And we saw these fishermen (I don’t recall any women) casting lines from up on top these cliffs.

Yikes!

I plan to make a return visit soon and make the full drive out to the lighthouse.

My recommendation is to stay at the seaside town of Kilkee.

It’s a bit resorty in summer with Irish families on holiday.

But in shoulder season (even June), it’s quieter yet things are still open for business.

Plus it has a gorgeous beach … which is next on the list.

Play on one of the beaches

Even though Clare has all these cliffs, there are still some gorgeous, sandy beaches.

Kilkee is one of them that I alluded to above.

This beach is in a protected horseshoe bay, Moore Bay.

Kilkee beach is about 1.5km long — and it’s stunning.

Further north you’ll find Lahinch Beach.

This is an über popular beach with a surf good for beginning surfers.

Lahinch sits on Liscannor Bay and is another horseshoe, protected bay.

The beach is about 2km long and can get very busy during holiday times.

I happen to visit during an Irish Bank Holiday weekend and it was crazy busy.

But it’s a gorgeous stretch of sand worth the time.

Fanore is another beach north of the Cliffs of Moher.

It’s a bit smaller than the other 2, but the setting — right in the heart of The Burren — makes it especially picturesque and unusual.

And there are a few more beaches in County Clare to walk on especially between Kilkee and Lahinch.

Visiting a beach should be on your “what to do in County Clare” list!

Visit The Burren Perfumery

I love this place!

First of all it’s fun to drive through The Burren landscape to get here.

You’ll end up on some wee road so no motor coaches here!

The Burren Perfumery is near the town of Carron in the Northeast part of County Clare.

And, yes, they make perfume.

But they also make soaps, lotions, teas and they have a delightful tea shop/cafe where you can get some of their tea or a bit of lunch.

The food is delicious and all Irish made with much of it coming from as nearby as is possible.

There is a lovely herb garden to wander through.

And if you want to learn more about how they make soaps or lotions, they have demonstrations.

If you’re part of a large group, know that they don’t accept groups in July and August and only accept limited numbers of groups during other months.

They strive to keep it small and stay as environmentally friendly as possible.

Note that they are still open during winter months, but the cafe will only have tea and coffee.

My recommendation is to stop by late afternoon for a late lunch.

Sit outside if the weather allows it.

Peruse the store for some unique gifts for yourself or someone back home.

Meander through the herb garden — which smells divine!

Visiting The Burren Perfumery is one of the best things to do in County Clare — without a doubt!

Make the Coastal Drive

There are some fabulous drives in all of Ireland but there are some exceptional drives in County Clare.

The Coast Road, as it’s often called, is part of that longer Wild Atlantic Way which the Irish Tourism Board dreamt up — great marketing scheme by the way.

In all seriousness, driving the Coast Road is truly one of the best things to do in County Clare.

If you are coming from the North — County Galway — you’re probably on the N67 which is a main road.

At Ballyvaughan, pick up the R477 toward Black Head which is the Northwest peninsula of County Clare.

You’ll then start driving South along the coast — by the town of Fanore and its beach.

The Burren is to your left and the Atlantic Ocean is to your right.

It’s a gorgeous drive.

You’ll head inland a bit and pick up the R479 toward Doolin.

Then pick up the R459 to the R478 toward those famous Cliffs of Moher.

Past the Cliffs of Moher the R478 will take you to Lahinch with its stunning beach.

If you want to drive the entire coast, then turn onto the N67, following this all the way to Kilkee.

There are smaller roads that will take you closer to the coast such as the R482 that will take you to Spanish Point (good side trip).

At Kilkee, you can pick up that wee road that takes you to the Kilkee Cliffs and to Loop Head Lighthouse.

Coming from the South?

Just reverse it!

Drive through the interior

Because the Irish Tourism Board has done such a fantastic job of marketing the Wild Atlantic Way, so many folks are skipping over some splendid interior experiences.

One such memorable experience in County Clare is to drive through the interior landscape — or even get out and walk some of it.

Much of the county interior is rolling hills dotted with farms — sheep and cows grazing in the fields.

Farther north you definitely can get into that rocky, Burren landscape which is so mesmerizing.

But you’ll still find green hills with farms.

And there is always some bogland here and there which I just love.

You’ll also discover some historic ruins.

Poulnabrone Dolmen is one of the most famous ancient sites in Ireland.

It’s a portal tomb which means it has two large portal stones standing on either side of an entrance and it’s topped with a large sloping capstone.

This site is on the R480 just north of Leamaneh.

You’ll also find the Ennis Friary in the county town of Ennis and Dysert O’Dea Castle, a 15th Century Gaelic tower house that belonged to the O’Dea clan near the town of Corofin.

There’s no one route in the interior as there are lots of R and L roads (rural and lesser) that are fun to drive along and get a wee bit lost on.

The R480, R460, R476 and R481 are a few good ones to explore in the northern part of County Clare.

And the main N67 just south from Ballyvaughan is a good drive too.

This takes you up Corkscrew Hill and rewards you with views to Galway Bay to the North.

As you drive South you’ll see that wonderful Clare landscape of rolling hills before you.

Wander about some of the towns

There are some charming towns in County Clare.

Ennis, the county town, is one I have yet to explore but hope to on an upcoming trip.

It has a population of abut 25,000 so it’s easy to wander about on foot.

Ennis is the heart of County Clare with good places to stay, eat and drink.

And there is loads of traditional Irish music here.

Kilkee, which I’ve mentioned, is another town to stroll about.

It has a bit more of that seaside resort vibe, but with views of the sea, it makes a wonderful spot to grab a bite to eat along your drive.

Or perhaps to base yourself for a couple of days to explore southern County Clare.

Be sure to get out on that beach!

My folks and I stayed in Kilkee for a night and we also stayed further north in Ennistimon.

This town is just a wee bit East of Lahinch.

It’s a small village of only about 1000 folks but there are a few nice places to stay, eat and drink.

And it has that wonderful authentic vibe to it.

Be sure to see The Falls behind The Falls Hotel.

Lisdoonvarna is the town known for its Matchmaking Festival that takes place every September.

I have yet to spend time here, having only driven through.

But it’s on the list for sure.

Most folks think Doolin is a town but really it’s a collection of 3 settlements.

Many travelers choose to stay in this area to visit the Cliffs of Moher.

And while Fisher Street/Doolin/Roadford do make a good base for exploring both the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren, they’re not the only spot.

I will say that there is a nice array of accommodation in this trio — from budget to higher end.

Ballyvaughan is the final town I want to mention.

Located in the far north of Clare near County Galway, Ballyvaughan is another wee village of about 250 people.

Despite the small size, there are some good places to stay, eat and definitely some fun pubs.

Try O’Loclainn’s Irish Whiskey Bar.

Also, stop by Gregans Castle Hotel for at least a spot of tea.

It’s just south from Ballyvaughan on the N67 as you approach Corkscrew Hill.

If you want to splurge and stay here, I highly recommend it!

Listen to traditional Irish music

It’s what to do in County Clare without a doubt!

Yes, you can find traditional Irish music all over Ireland.

But County Clare has the most and the best.

Many pubs will have a “session” at least a few nights a week.

So be sure to spend some time in a pub.

And you don’t have to have a pint or a dram.

Just order a soda or even a water and enjoy the music and the “craic” — that means fun in Irish.

You’ll be tapping your toes in no time.

Take the ferry across the River Shannon

So this is sort of in County Clare, sort of in County Limerick and sort of in County Kerry.

Actually it’s a wee bit in all 3!

If you are driving from County Clare to County Kerry, take the ferry near Kilrush across the River Shannon to Tarbert.

Or you can do this in reverse if you are driving from County Kerry up to Clare.

I find the 30 minute crossing to be very calming and peaceful.

The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland.

And it’s very important to the Irish in so many ways — geographically, ecologically and historically.

Do be sure to slow down and take the ferry across this notable site in Ireland.

Get out of your car as the ferry makes the crossing — weather permitting — and drink in the Irish landscape.

Are these really the best things to do in County Clare?

I think they are.

But as with any of these lists, they are subjective.

And I’m offering up those things to do in County Clare that I have personal experience with.

There are some noteworthy caves, golf courses and lakes to explore.

So don’t think that County Clare is all about the Cliffs of Moher.

As you can see there’s a lot more to this amazing Irish County!